MELVILLE, N.Y., April 25 /PRNewswire/ -- If you thought the 2004 Boston Red Sox run to the title was memorable, 2005 at Fenway Park should capture more memories than ever before. Nikon today announced that it has been named "The Official Camera of the Boston Red Sox," as part of a multi-faceted sponsoring partnership. In addition to radio sponsorship on the Red Sox radio network WEEI 850 AM, and signage throughout historic Fenway Park and the photographers' wells, Nikon digital photography will make a tremendous impact at the country's oldest professional baseball stadium. "Nikon is proud to partner with the World Champions of baseball, the Boston Red Sox," said Anna Marie Bakker, general manager of Communications for Nikon Inc, based in Melville, NY. "After a season of amazing memories, Nikon is excited to serve as the team's official camera, as thousands of new memories will be captured this season with Nikon cameras throughout Fenway Park."
Nikon has become the title sponsor of FanFoto -- a unique service that allows eight FanFoto photographers outfitted in brightly colored Nikon-branded uniforms to take pictures of fans in the stadium and concourses. A New England icon for more than 104 years, the hallowed grounds of Fenway Park present a number of amazing photo opportunities, and Nikon will make sure that the charm and nostalgia from the Green Monster to Pesky's Pole are captured for generations to come with FanFoto. Photographed fans will receive a Nikon ticket with the game date, URL and gallery number for online reference. The Red Sox are expanding the service to be offered at pre-game parties, luxury suites and VIP events.
As part of Nikon's ongoing commitment to serve the professional photographers who provide a tremendous service to the baseball community and sports fans everywhere, Nikon will also create The Nikon Darkroom at a location in Fenway Park. The Nikon Darkroom will serve as a 'locker room' for all the professional photographers shooting at home games. Working photographers can utilize the Nikon Darkroom to store the equipment they're not using, download photos, or even as a location to work or rest on game day. Nikon will also host a professional photographer's luncheon at Fenway Park on June 1, 2005. The event will offer professional shooters an opportunity to try the latest Nikon offerings, and even have their own equipment cleaned and repaired.
"We are thrilled that Nikon has joined our family of corporate partners," said Sam Kennedy, Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing for the Boston Red Sox. "In addition to tremendous exposure inside Fenway Park with a new centerfield sign and signage on the photo well railings, we have partnered with Nikon to provide better services and work space for the professional photographers that come to Fenway Park. We look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship with Nikon."
Catch all the action at Fenway Park this season. For more information about Nikon Inc. please visit http://www.nikonusa.com.

About Nikon
Nikon, At the Heart of the Image(TM). Nikon Inc. is the world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology and is globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment. Nikon Inc. distributes the Nikon Total Imaging System of consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, Nikkor optics, Speedlights and System Accessories; Nikon Coolpix(R) compact digital cameras; Coolscan(R) digital film scanners; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics. At the heart of every Nikon camera is Nikon's Exclusive Feature System, making it easy for anyone to take amazing digital pictures. Through the Nikon Spirit Initiative(TM), the company, plays an active role in supporting aspiring and advanced photographers through a variety of philanthropic organizations, educational programs, events and workshops. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-US or visit http://www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers to the web's most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities.

SOURCE Nikon